Matt Hardy receives TNA release

Following his arrest Saturday in North Carolina for driving while intoxicated, Matt Hardy has been released from his contract with TNA Wrestling.




In a statement released to TMZ.com, an unnamed TNA spokesperson stated, "TNA today released Impact Wrestling star Matt Hardy from its roster. Hardy was already under suspension from the company."



According to sources within TNA, plans were in place for Matt and Jeff Hardy to return to television in October. Jeff's status with the company remains unchanged since TNA will be releasing a slew of merchandise in the fall bearing his name including a video title.



Hardy joined TNA last January after being released by WWE in October 2010 following a series of events that caused him to be sent home from a company tour of Europe. Hardy walked out of a SmackDown live event on September 5, 2010 after officials voiced concern over his condition. During the subsequent weekend's European tour, Hardy's condition caused the organization to act. When the story broke online, Hardy responded with a rambling video claiming it was untrue because he was still in Europe. WWE, however, confirmed to NewsDay.com on September 12, 2010 that he had been sent home. He never wrestled for the organization again and was released from his contract a few weeks later.



Hardy stated last week on Twitter that his time away from the ring has been a blessing in disguise as it allowed him to completely clean up his life. He added Friday, "It's time for me to get back to a healthy, happy place, the transformation his now started for me, for us-(New Chapter Will begin new)"

TNA/Spike TV Press Release

The following press release has been issued:




SPIKE TV AND TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION (TNA) WRESTLING RELAUNCH FLAGSHIP PROGRAM AS 'IMPACT WRESTLING'



Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and Spike TV announced today that TNA's flagship program would be rebranded as IMPACT WRESTLING, beginning Thursday, May 19 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on SPIKE.



With the debut of "TNA iMPACT!" in 2005, TNA and SPIKE have partnered to bring U.S. television audiences the most exciting professional wrestling in the world today. TNA iMPACT! has been averaging 1.8 million viewers this year and ranks among the top programs on cable with Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 in its timeslot. In 2011, TNA is up 11% in HH rating vs.Q1 2010 and 9% in viewership of persons 2+.



"While the name change is subtle, it is also very powerful. TNA is proud to be in the wrestling business, and not afraid to say it. And, to emphasize our commitment we have added the word 'wrestling' to our already well-known 'iMPACT!' brand," said TNA chief marketing officer Al Ovadia.



In addition to rebranding IMPACT WRESTLING, TNA is launching the tagline, "WRESTLING MATTERS," a statement that reflects every aspect of TNA Wrestling, from program content to marketing to live events.



"We wanted a branding initiative that was scalable and could extend across all platforms," added Ovadia. "We asked our fans what it was about professional wrestling that they found most compelling. We learned it was no single aspect, their passion for wrestling was all-consuming. Whether it's the in-ring action, backstage brawls, the feuds or classic dramatic conflict of good vs. evil, it's the entire experience that makes 'wrestling matter.'"



"TNA is a proven ratings winner on Thursday nights for Spike, delivering a consistently large audience of hard-to-reach young men," said Brian J. Diamond, senior vice president, sports and specials, Spike TV. "We feel the new IMPACT WRESTLING branding message will resonate with our audience who crave the action-packed wrestling that only TNA can provide."



Effective immediately fans can visit www.IMPACTWRESTLING.com for exclusive news and content on the stars of IMPACT WRESTLING. Fans can also access over 300 hours of TNA programming at www.TNAOnDemand.com.



















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